LAST MINUTE GREEN GIFT IDEAS

Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 12/21/2011 01:35 PM EST

For Immediate Release: Dec. 21, 2011

Contact: DEP Press Office, (850) 245-2112 or DEPnews@dep.state.fl.us

LAST MINUTE GREEN GIFT IDEAS

~Eco-friendly gifts for him or her during the holiday season~

Holiday lights at Stephen Foster Folk

Culture Center State Park ranger station in White Springs, Fl.

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Floridians to celebrate the holiday season by giving a gift that supports the protection of Florida’s natural resources.

“Protecting our air, water and other natural resources for future generations is the best gift we can give during this holiday season,” said DEP’s Director of Sustainable Initiatives Brad Stombock. “We can all do our part by giving gifts that are made from sustainable or recycled materials.”

This season, it is easier than ever to give the gift of green. The following ideas and products can be found online or at your local farmer’s market, health food store or cooperative market as well as grocery and major retail chains.

Last minute eco-friendly gifts for this holiday season include:

5 Gifts for Her

Biodegradable and Organic Body Products- Biodegradable and organic products, like makeup or body wash, are gentle on skin and healthy for the environment. Wrap up a single body lotion or purchase her favorite scents into a gift baskets for a favorable last minute green gift.
Organic Wool Blanket- You can never have too many blankets, but having an organic wool blanket is a must. Surprise her with a warm, and sustainable gift for the holidays.
Recycled Jewelry- Fill her stocking with jewelry of recycled gold, silver or platinum. Recycled jewelry decreases the global demand for newly mined gold and diminishes the environmentally destructive effects of gold and other metal mining practices.
Organic Flowers- The gift of flowers is always a great way to say thank you, sorry or I love you. This holiday season, share your gift with the environment by sending her organic flowers which reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides and pesticides in the air.
Monogrammed Banana Paper Stationary- Whether taking notes in class or writing a love letter, personalized banana paper stationary is both thoughtful and sustainable. Banana paper has no bleach, chlorine or chlorine derivatives making it healthier for the environment.

5 Gifts for Him

Travel Coffee Mug- Don’t let him be the only one using Styrofoam cups at work. Get him his own personalized coffee mug for everyday use at work or on the road. This gift will keep him going throughout the week.
Organic Chocolate- Chocolate is not only for Valentine’s Day. Make a gift basket of organic chocolate that he can enjoy through the holidays. The gift of organic chocolate supports soil and human health while protecting us from chemical pollutants.
Plant a Tree- Give a gift that makes him proud. Plant a tree in his honor. When you give a gift of a tree, you ensure the health and survival of the natural world. Don’t stop at one tree; buy one for each family member.
Truck Tire Accessories- Help him stay organized with a briefcase or bag. Truck tire bags, belts and totes constructed out of discarded truck and tractor inner tubes from landfills are a thoughtful and green gift.
Solar and Wind-Up Radio- Surprise him with a new gadget to add to his collection. Instead of looking for an outlet or replacing batteries, this solar and wind-up radio simply needs the sun during the day to play sweet music for on-the-go or at home during the holidays.

A perfect gift for anyone

DEP’s Division of State Parks offers an annual entrance pass, which allows park entrance in lieu of the daily entrance fee at all state parks, except for Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. Whether a gift for the holidays or anytime throughout the year, it is a great gift offering outdoor recreation for hikers, equestrians, bicyclists, fishermen, beach combers and more. Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased for an individual at a cost of $60 for the year or $120 for a Family Annual Entrance Pass, visit the Florida State Park’s website for complete details about purchasing Annual Entrance Passes.

As the holiday seasons and the New Year approaches, be sure to integrate environmentally conscious gifts and practices in your home, school and work to ensure that Florida has a bright and healthy future. Tips on sustainable practices can be seen on DEP’s website, http://www.dep.state.fl.us/green/.

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the lead agency for environmental management and stewardship, is one of the more diverse agencies in state government - protecting our air, water and land. DEP is divided into three primary areas: Regulatory Programs, Land and Recreation, and Water Policy and Ecosystem Restoration. Florida's environmental priorities include achieving regulatory efficiency, consistency and protection, getting the water quality and quantity right in Florida, and ensuring our residents and visitors have more opportunities to enjoy Florida’s award-winning state parks.

About the Office of Sustainable Initiatives

DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting the environment. The Florida Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging Program and the Clean Vessel Act Grant Program offer a variety of services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. For more information about the DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green/.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/22da52

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com.

This service is provided to you at no charge by Florida Department of Environmental Protection.